Protests sweep France, turning violent as thousands arrested

About 550,000 people marched across France demanding greater investment in education and action to curb the rising cost of living. The demonstrations soon descended into chaos, with cars and buildings set ablaze and shops looted. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons, and by Saturday more than 1,200 protesters had been arrested. The unrest follows weeks of student‑led protests, as demonstrators now join forces to voice growing anger over economic conditions and President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of the crisis. In a social‑media post, Macron condemned the violence, stating that vandals and looters will be prosecuted and punished. BBC correspondent Adina Campbell reported from Paris.